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50 Centimes - Chambre de Commerce de Poitiers and de la Vienne 86
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce de Poitiers et de la Vienne |
|---|---|
| Year | 1915 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | 118 × 78 mm |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse, printed in green on cream paper, is framed by a matching crenellated architectural border with pilasters carrying the "RF" monogram in the lower corners. The heading "POITIERS ET LA VIENNE" is set within a solid green banner across the top, and two circular guilloche medallions bearing the value "50c" flank the central text panel. The lower section carries the municipal coat of arms of Poitiers within a laurel wreath, flanked by the emission notice "ÉMISSION OCTOBRE 1915", while the central panel contains a two-paragraph legal text in cursive script detailing the guarantee conditions and redemption deadline. |
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| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Watermark |
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| Comments |
French chambers of commerce were authorized to issue emergency small-denomination notes in August 1914, stepping in after the outbreak of war caused an immediate and severe shortage of small coinage — silver and bronze disappeared from circulation almost overnight as hoarding took hold. The Poitiers chamber was among the earlier provincial issuers to act on that authorization.
Gaston Paré et Philippeau in Angers handled a considerable volume of chamber of commerce emergency issues across western France during this period, which accounts for the shared aesthetic across several regional series. The watermark is the primary security measure — modest by any standard, but sufficient for the intended purpose of keeping local trade moving.